Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood's most beloved actors with two Academy Awards and a string of iconic roles, recently shared his thoughts on the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the film industry. In an interview, Hanks posed a crucial question: "Without a doubt, people will be able to tell. But the question is, will they care?" This sentiment captures the tension between technological advancement and audience perception, as AI increasingly shapes how movies are made and experienced.

Hanks' Early Encounter with AI in Filmmaking

Hanks first encountered the possibilities of AI-driven performance during his work on the 2004 film The Polar Express, which pioneered live-action motion capture CGI. That film used sensors and cameras to translate actors' movements into animated characters, setting the stage for more sophisticated digital manipulation. At the time, it was a novelty, but Hanks recognized its potential to fundamentally alter the actor's craft. He noted that even then, he anticipated a future where AI could generate performances without the actor being physically present, or even alive. The technology has since advanced rapidly, moving beyond mere motion capture into full digital recreation of human likenesses.

Digital Resurrection: From Peter Cushing to Robert De Niro

Using AI to bring actors back from the dead is no longer science fiction. The 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story digitally resurrected Peter Cushing, who died in 1994, to reprise his role as Grand Moff Tarkin. Through a combination of CGI and deepfake-like techniques, the character appeared convincingly on screen, sparking both admiration and ethical debate. Similarly, Martin Scorsese's The Irishman (2019) used AI to de-age Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci across decades, allowing them to portray younger versions of themselves without traditional makeup. This technique, known as digital aging, relies on machine learning algorithms that analyze thousands of images and subtly alter facial features in post-production. These examples highlight how AI can seamlessly blend into narrative filmmaking, often without audiences realizing the extent of its use.

However, such practices are not without controversy. The 2023 strikes by SAG-AFTRA were partly driven by actors' fears that studios would use AI to replicate their likenesses without fair compensation or consent. The union fought for protections that require explicit permission and payment for any digital recreation of an actor's image. Tom Hanks, as a prominent actor and producer, has been vocal about the need for ethical boundaries. He acknowledged that while the technology is impressive, it raises questions about artistic integrity and the value of human performance. "We have to be careful," Hanks said in a previous discussion. "If we just let the technology run wild, we might lose something essential about storytelling."

The Current AI Landscape in Hollywood

As of 2025, AI has become an integral part of film and television production. The 97th Academy Awards saw several films that utilized AI win major awards. Emilia Perez and The Brutalist both incorporated generative AI in their production pipelines—whether for visual effects, sound design, or even script refinement. Netflix, a major player in content production, revealed that more than 300 of its original titles used some form of generative AI in the past year alone. Usage spanned every stage from concept art and storyboarding to post-production color grading and final rendering. Even in documentaries, AI tools are being used to restore archival footage, generate background music, or create synthetic voices for narration.

The variety of applications is broad. Some filmmakers use AI to quickly generate costume designs or set pieces during pre-visualization, saving weeks of manual effort. Others employ AI-driven software to remove unwanted objects from scenes, smooth out actor performances, or automate rotoscoping. In the realm of visual effects, AI can generate realistic crowds, create digital doubles for dangerous stunts, or simulate natural phenomena like water and fire. These tools reduce costs and timelines, making it more feasible for independent productions to achieve high-end looks. Yet, the same technology also threatens traditional jobs in the art department, editing suites, and even among background actors.

Audience Perception and Acceptance

Despite the widespread industry adoption, audiences remain wary of AI-generated content. Multiple surveys and studies consistently show that viewers reject the idea of fully AI-generated films, especially those where actors' faces or voices are synthetically created without their involvement. A 2024 Pew Research study found that 72% of Americans expressed discomfort with AI recreating deceased actors, and 68% said they would avoid a movie that used AI to replace a living actor's performance without permission. However, the same research indicates that many people do not notice subtle AI enhancements. For example, de-aging effects or digitally altered backgrounds often go undetected unless explicitly pointed out. This creates a paradox: the more seamlessly AI is integrated, the less likely it is to provoke outrage.

Tom Hanks' question—"will they care?"—points to this disconnect. In a world where audiences are constantly bombarded with visual effects, the line between digital and real has blurred. Yet, the emotional connection viewers feel to actors like Hanks depends on the perception of authenticity. If audiences believe they are watching a genuine performance, they are more likely to engage. But if they become aware that a performance is entirely synthetic, the illusion shatters. Hanks himself seems skeptical that widespread acceptance will come quickly. He remarked that while people may be able to detect AI, they might simply accept it as a cost of progress—or they might rebel against it. The ultimate answer will depend on how studios handle transparency, consent, and the role of human creativity.

Looking ahead, the film industry faces a critical juncture. Some executives embrace AI as a tool for efficiency and innovation, while others warn of a homogenized future where creative decisions are automated. Meanwhile, actors and writers continue to push for regulations that protect their intellectual property. The 2025 Oscars demonstrated that AI-assisted works can achieve critical acclaim, but whether they can achieve the same public trust remains uncertain. For now, the key takeaway from Hanks' musings is a reminder that technology, no matter how advanced, must serve storytelling—not replace it. As AI becomes more integrated into every aspect of cinema, the question of whether audiences care may ultimately define the industry's direction.

Source:MSN News